New
building gives Red Cross more energy for recruiting donors
The tsunami swept away Banda Aceh's main blood transfusion facility
in December 2004 and since then, the unit has operated from
temporary premises. It has been difficult to maintain a regular,
sustainable supply of blood for the people of Aceh, but after
two-and-a-half years, Red Cross volunteers and staff are now
settling into a purpose-built permanent building.
And now, staff can concentrate on the important work of recruiting
volunteer donors and building up supplies.
The new blood transfusion unit is part of an Australian Red
Cross project that boosts the ability of the local Red Cross
team to collect and process blood throughout Aceh and on Nias
Island.
In the past, hospitals in Aceh province have often needed to
call for supplies from blood transfusion units outside the province,
an expensive business that causes potentially life-threatening
delays.
The new building in Banda Aceh serves urban populations and
those not far from the provincial capital, and to reach people
in remote locations new facilities have also been set up at
Nias, Lhokseumawe and Langsa. A hospital-based transfusion unit
is also planned for Simeulue Island.
Chronic shortages
The normal practice in Aceh is to donate blood as it's needed
-- when a family member or friend is involved in a bad accident,
for example. This practice, of course, leaves blood storages
chronically low.
Inspiring people to give blood voluntarily is part of the Red
Cross project, and three locals are practicing what they preach
-- between them, Mr Ridwan, Mr Yusran and Mr Kusuma have donated
almost 300 times.
Getting these three blood donor champions to share their experiences
is one way Red Cross hopes others will be encouraged to donate.
Blood donor champions
Mr Ridwan has given blood 93 times. 'I not only feel strong
and never had any health problems, but I know that my contributions
help my community in times of need.
'I started giving blood in 1970 after an accident which left
a colleague injured. I didn't hesitate when he needed blood,
and I donated on the day. It gave me a great feeling and his
family now consider me a close relative.' Mr Ridwan realised
he could do more than just donate for family and friends --
he could donate to preserve the health of his entire community.
Mr Yusran has donated 83 times since 1990. He explains: 'At
first I was afraid of the needle but now I feel great after
each time I donate. I have never been sick and it gives me great
pride in myself to be helping my community.'
Building donor networks
Head of Aceh's Blood Donor Association Mr Wijaya Kusuma, who
has donated blood 100 times, highlights the importance of promoting
the new service to the community.
'We try to inform and educate people about donating blood and
the importance of donating blood. Giving blood can save the
lives of others and perhaps one day even our own life.'
Using community forums, particularly local religious meetings,
is a 'powerful tool' for inspiring people to donate, according
to Mr Kusuma He says he asks local religious leaders to talk
about the importance of the project.
'We can reach an audience and deliver a strong message through
their daily sermons and teachings.'
Dr Kusuma's Blood Donor Association has inspired other companies
and institutions in Aceh to establish donor associations that
are helping the program to grow. In the public sector the police,
army, telecommunications and electricity suppliers, and private
companies including a large local bank have formed blood donor
groups. This success is clearly a source of great pride for
Dr Kusuma.
'By establishing these associations,' he says, 'we spread the
message that giving blood can save lives. We hope our example
will encourage others to donate.'
|
 |
 |
|
|
Mr
Yusran, Dr Kusuma and Mr Ridwan are Aceh's blood donor
champions. Here they are pictured with Elise Supriati,
Australian Red Cross Blood Project Officer. (p16525)
|
|
|
|
|
|
News
